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With each new design—residence or commercial building—we attempt to create the best architecture in Seattle. Our desire is to bring the ultimate version of your dream to life using contemporary materials that fit poetically into your environment. To achieve such lofty goals, it’s essential we stay abreast of the innovations taking place throughout the country. One way this is accomplished is by consuming industry news and this year at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 conference there were more than 800 brands and manufacturers present. Among those, a few stood out. Here are the some of the innovations presented this year that were of particular interest: Velux Cabrio Balcony Having a window on your roof to bring [...]

At Rhodes Architecture, we value the relationship we have with our clients and one of our favorite aspects of the design process is getting to know you and your architectural preferences. To build on this relationship, it’s imperative to develop clear lines of communication. A great place to start is by thinking about your taste and style and how you see it coming together in a finished project. To help start this process, we want to explore some of the key architecture considerations that emerge during the design process. This will also give you some places to look for design ideas and inspiration to help make your dream home come to fruition. First, begin by telling your Architect exactly [...]

At Rhodes Architecture + Light, our Architects are always on the lookout for new materials to incorporate in your design. Instead of just relying on the same materials we have for years, we want to be sure we provide our clients with the best quality options for their residences. Here are five materials we’ve recently been adding into Pacific Northwest architecture projects that we think are uniquely pleasing and will last for many years to come. 1. Porcelain Tile Porcelain tile is becoming inexpensive, allowing homeowners to choose this hardy option more regularly. Aside from the preferable price point, this is also a popular material because it is extremely durable. As an added bonus, it now also comes [...]

Deciding to design your home from the ground up can be an exciting process. It can also be frustrating. Chances are you’ve been dreaming for a while. You’ve searched through hundreds of floor plans. You’ve accumulated a stack of magazines several inches high. Your pinboard on Pinterest has taken on a life of its own. The local home improvement stores know you by name. And yet, here you are, still unsure of what direction to go. You know you want something different. Something contemporary. Something that stands out from the crowd. And while the architectural design is important, you also want sustainability. If this is your forever home, you want it to be as natural and efficient as possible. [...]

Sustainability Begins With Design Part I "Building Green” is often touted in architectural magazines and online articles as an important consideration for the eco-conscious consumer when planning a new house. Once you get beyond the glossy imagery showing beautiful houses with locally sourced materials and green roofs, you may be left asking yourself “what makes a house design truly sustainable and  what are the benefits of designing and building in this manner for the environment, my family and my pocketbook”? When executed successfully, a sustainable house will result in overall energy savings, improved occupant comfort and health, and a preservation of natural resources. By integrating proper strategies for daylighting and natural ventilation, and harnessing natural sources for heating and [...]

How You Can Have More in Less Part III Creating thoughtful, efficient, comfortable smaller space is a process. An example from our practice is the best way to illustrate the ideas and thought that can go into creating smaller homes. We were approached by a discerning builder and his family to design a river-front cabin for four families in limited space. The building we designed has common living areas, bathrooms (some compartmentalized with separate shower/toilet rooms and common vanities with multiple sinks) a shared kitchen with multiple preparation areas and work areas, a central entry that doubles as a hall for storing coats, shoes, and gear, and four bedrooms sleeping up to twelve. The bedrooms feature private spaces for [...]